SOUTH BRONX, NY — On Sunday, July 26, 2026, Latino Sports continued one of its proudest traditions by organizing its customary bus trip to Cooperstown, New York, whenever a Latino baseball player is inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
This tradition began in 1999 when Orlando Cepeda became the second Puerto Rican inducted into the Hall of Fame, following the legendary Roberto Clemente, whose induction came posthumously in 1973. Since then, Latino Sports has made it a mission to give baseball fans—especially Latino families—the opportunity to witness history firsthand while also visiting one of the sport’s most treasured institutions.
Latino Sports’ first bus trip to Cooperstown was in 1999 to witness Orlando Cepeda’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony – Image Credit: Latino Sports Archives
While many participants enjoyed touring the Baseball Hall of Fame Museum, the primary reason for this year’s trip was to celebrate the induction of Carlos Beltrán, who entered the Hall of Fame wearing the cap of the New York Mets. During his seven seasons with the Mets (2005–2011), Beltrán established himself as one of the finest center fielders in franchise history and remains one of the organization’s most beloved players.
The bus carried a diverse group of passengers that reflected the spirit of the Latino Sports community. Families with young children, teenagers, public servants, business professionals, and retirees all shared the excitement of witnessing Beltrán become the sixth Puerto Rican elected to baseball’s highest honor.
Latino Sports continued one of its proudest traditions with our special bus trip up to Cooperstown to witness and celebrate Hall of Fame history together – Image Credit: Latino Sports
The atmosphere throughout the day was festive. Music filled the bus as passengers enjoyed snacks and refreshments during the trip.
Once in Cooperstown, many gathered on the spacious lawn facing the induction stage, relaxing in beach chairs or on blankets picnic-style while enjoying a beautiful summer afternoon with temperatures in the mid-80s.
Fans from Carlos Beltrán’s native Puerto Rico made the trip up to Cooperstown this weekend to see the 2026 HOF Inductee get immortalized into The Hall – Image Credit: Latino Sports
This year’s induction ceremony was shorter than many in recent years, as only three players were inducted: Jeff Kent, Andruw Jones, and Carlos Beltrán.
Each inductee delivered heartfelt speeches reflecting on their journeys to the major leagues while expressing gratitude to the family members, teammates, coaches, and organizations that helped them achieve baseball’s greatest honor.
Carlos Beltrán’s HOF induction speech was felt in Puerto Rico with the nine-time MLB All-Star sending his love and gratitude to his homeland – Image Credit: George Napolitano/Latino Sports
Overall attendance was noticeably smaller than at some previous Hall of Fame ceremonies. One likely reason was geography. Jeff Kent spent much of his Hall of Fame career with the San Francisco Giants, making the trip to Cooperstown more difficult for many West Coast fans.
Likewise, while Andruw Jones is an Atlanta Braves legend, his roots in Curaçao also limited the number of supporters who could easily attend.
One of the best center fielders to step on the diamond, Andruw Jones, 49, of Willemstad, Curaçao, became the first Curaçao-born MLB player ever to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum – Image Credit: George Napolitano/Latino Sports
In contrast, Carlos Beltrán’s induction attracted an overwhelming show of support. New York Mets fans filled the grounds, but just as impressive was the sea of Puerto Rican flags waving throughout the ceremony. Puerto Rican families traveled from across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and other East Coast states. Equally remarkable was the number of fans who traveled directly from Puerto Rico, representing towns from across the island to celebrate one of their own.
During the post-induction press conference, Beltrán was asked about the emotional sight of seeing so many Puerto Rican flags throughout the ceremony.
“We’re proud people from a small island in the Caribbean, but we’re full of passion, full of love, and full of people with big hearts. Many people have inspired us as Puerto Ricans to become the best versions of ourselves. I’m very proud of where I’m from, proud of our culture, and proud of what we have contributed to the game of baseball. We now have six Hall of Famers from a small island. Their examples inspired me, and I hope I’ve inspired the next generation as well.”
Carlos Beltrán’s HOF Induction speech on Sunday included him thanking his parents with a phrase made famous by Puerto Rican music superstar Bad Bunny – Image Credit: George Napolitano/Latino Sports
One of the more interesting moments of Beltrán’s Hall of Fame speech became the first topic raised during the post-ceremony press conference. While thanking his parents, he quoted a phrase made famous by Puerto Rican music superstar Bad Bunny:
“Un aplauso a mami y papi porque, de verdad, rompieron.”
(“A round of applause for Mom and Dad because they truly knocked it out of the park.”)
Although Beltrán never mentioned Bad Bunny by name during his speech, instead referring only to “a very famous artist from Puerto Rico,” many in the audience immediately recognized the reference.
The phrase resonated with Puerto Ricans familiar with Bad Bunny’s music and highlighted Beltrán’s pride in Puerto Rican culture.
Bad Bunny was a topic of discussion during Sunday’s Hall of Fame Induction ceremony up in Cooperstown, New York – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
Some observers have also interpreted the reference as carrying broader cultural and political overtones, given Bad Bunny’s outspoken views on issues affecting Puerto Rico. And a present conservative statehood administration that is at odds with the artist and has blocked permits to shoot a movie about Puerto Rico—forcing the artist to film in the Dominican Republic. Whether intended or not, the moment generated considerable discussion among Puerto Rican fans.
When asked about the reference during his press conference, Beltrán explained:
“I don’t have a personal relationship with him, but I follow his music, and I don’t know who doesn’t these days. I used those words because, in his music, he recognizes his parents and where he comes from. I wanted to recognize my mom and dad in that same way. I’m proud of what he does. I think he represents our island, he’s part of our culture, and he’s doing a great job promoting Puerto Rico. As a baseball player, I’ve always tried to do the same.”
Like Carlos Beltrán had represented Puerto Rico to the greatest degree, and continues to during his post-playing career, he believes Bad Bunny is doing the same through his award-winning music – Image Credit: Joel Rodriguez/Latino Sports
For Latino Sports, the trip represented much more than transportation to Cooperstown. It was another opportunity to educate, inspire, and preserve Latino baseball history by allowing families to witness a once-in-a-lifetime milestone together.
Seeing Carlos Beltrán take his place among baseball’s immortals was not simply another Hall of Fame induction. It was a proud moment for Puerto Rico, for Mets fans, and for the entire Latino baseball community.
Latino Sports is honored to have helped so many fans experience this historic occasion in person—an unforgettable and legendary day that will be remembered for generations.
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